INSSSL Threat Lens on “Proliferation of Drugs, A Threat to National Security” organized by INSSSL

Vision To secure by nurturing visionary, collective, and decisive leaders in security policy and decision making H.E. Gotabaya Rajapaksa President of INSSSL

Hon. Chamal Rajapaksa Vice President of INSSSL

Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka (INSSSL) held a ‘Threat Lens’ a close door roundtable discussion at the Ministry of Defence with the participation of a number of experts from the academic, diplomatic and security fields to discuss particular threats to Sri Lanka’s

Maj Gen (Retd) GDH Kamal Gunaratne National Security. The Threat lens was titled “Proliferation of Drugs, A WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc Chairman INSSSL Threat to National Security” and was held at the main auditorium in the Ministry of Defence on 09th September 2020 from 1500hrs to – 1430hrs.

Sri Lanka’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean and its closeness to the Indian peninsula has accelerated the proliferation of drugs making it a hub for drug trade during the recent years which has its repercussions on the National security of the country. Recent exposure of many cases of apprehensions of Heroin and other dangerous drugs at sea and within the land has become a grave concern to the government of About Us Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka. Also, drug trafficking is often associated with other forms of Sri Lanka (INSSSL) is the premiere think DEFENCE tank on national security in Sri Lanka crime, such as money laundering, terrorism and corruption. under the aegis of Ministry of Defence QUARTERLY Continued on page 02 2020/Q3/Vol2020/Q3/Vol XVIXVI 01 www.insssl.lk Continued from page 01 The discussion by various stakeholders at this ‘Threat Lens’ comprehensively covered illicit drug trafficking, apprehensions, effects and other related issues that has become a threat to the national security and highlighted the importance of combating more effectively against this illicit drug trade. The Threat Lens’ was chaired by Additional Secretary (Defence), Mr. P.B.S.C. Nonis and the guest speaker was DIG Waruna Jayasundara, Commandant, Sri Lanka Task Force. Other experts who contributed for this discussion were Dr. Laknath Welagedera, Chairman, National Dangerous Drug Control Board; Major General (Retd.) G. Vijitha Ravipriya, Director General of Sri Lanka Customs; Snr. DIG Colonel Commandant, Military Intelligence Corps and Capt (G) SJ Kumara RSP W.L.A.S. Priyantha, Crimes, Organized & Bar USP BSc (DS). Rear Samantha Wimalathunge RWP VSV USP nswc Crimes, Crimes Intelligence, Women & MSc (DS) Mgt MSc (NS & WS) MA (SSS), Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard; Child Abuse Prevention Bureau, Narcotics and Election Range; Mr. D.N.C Abenayake, Mr. T.M.W.D. Tennakoon; Snr. DIG Western Province; DIG G.K.J. Aponsu, Police Deputy superintendent of customs; Major Narcotic Bureau; Mr. Kokila Sibera superintendent of Police, State Intelligence General A S Hewawitharana RSP USP ndc Service; Air Cdre MDJ Wasage and officers from Army, Navy, Air Force have shared IG, Director General Military Intelligence, their insights and experiences at this discussion.

Building shared Destiny for Mankind in the Neighborhood against COVID 19 MSc (NS & WS), BSc(Hons) participated as a speaker representing the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka (INSSSL) in a joint webinar organized by the China Sri Lanka Cooperation Studies Centre (CSLCSC) of the Pathfinder Foundation together with the Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD- a Beijing based Think Tank) on “Building shared Destiny for Mankind in the Neighborhood against COVID 19” on 8th September 2020. He delivered his presentation on ‘The COVID-19 Pandemic and its Geopolitical and Security Impact in South Asia.’ There were 12 participants representing the health, economic, academic, and media sectors from other think tanks. The discussion focused on areas such as the: impact of COVID Director (Communications and Publications) at on BRI; Sri Lanka’s experiences and measures taken to address the INSSSL, D C Gunawardena RWP**,RSP, Coronavirus pandemic; China-Sri Lanka bilateral relations; Security VSV, USP, nswc, psc, hdmc, MSc(DS)Mgt, , MMS, Situation in South Asia; and Building a Shared Destiny for Mankind.

Director General Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage spoke at an international panel hosted by Tillotoma Foundation on “Is Indian Ocean the Next Focus of China’s Bellicosity ? Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage, the Director panels on Chinese Influence in the Indian Ocean Region with nine General of INSSSL attended a webinar on 3rd August, distinguished panelists from six stakeholder countries, under the 2020 which was organized by Tillotoma Foundation theme ‘Is Indian Ocean the Next Focus of China’s Bellicosity’? The high Kolkata, India. Tillotoma Foundation is a global level panel brought their respective perspectives on ‘will the strategy academic and cultural organization. It is engaged and tactics of Beijing create a similar situation as in South China Sea principally in International Relations, Financial, and pose challenges and threats to India or other littoral states in the Environmental, Scientific, and Strategic & Defence Indian Ocean?. The event was chaired by Professor Baladas Ghoshal, Policy. Tillotoma Foundation hosted one of the Distinguished Advisor (Indian Ocean & Southeast Asia), Tillotoma most comprehensive and high-profile international Foundation.

2020/Q3/Vol XVI 02 www.insssl.lk Public Lecture on “Oil Spill, A Major Threat to Environmental Security” was organized by INSSSL

Institute of National Security Studies Sri incapability, and lack of technical knowledge Lanka (INSSSL) held a public lecture, on 30th in handling a vast disaster as such. Moreover, September at the auditorium of INSSSL with she shed light on the mandate vested on the participation of several experts from the MEPA and Marine Pollution Prevention Act academia, legal, military and security fields in relevance to legal framework currently to discuss particular threats to environment existing on grappling the shipping hazards. especially connected with the MT New Diamond She emphasized the responsibility of which caught fire off the South Eastern coast of stakeholders to respond to the National Oil Sri Lanka. . The guest speaker was Mrs. Dharshani Spill Contingency Plan through forwarding Lahandapura, the Chairperson of the Marine recommendations, in order to counter, Environment Protection Authority (MEPA). The threats of oil spills. Then she discussed the public lecture was moderated by Admiral Prof. adverse impacts of oil spills to Environmental Jayanath Colombage, Director-General, Institute Security in reference to effects on marine of National Security Studies Sri Lanka. animals, plants, and shore amenities. In addition, effects to human welfare, economic Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage commenced activities were discussed reiterating that with the session by giving a brief on the sequence disasters such as these, it ultimately poses of events that led to the dousing of the fire on threats not only on environmental security board ‘MT New Diamond’ crude oil tanker citing but also on economic security, and human the enviorenment hazards it would have caused security as well. to the Indian Ocean. He praised the joint efforts prevailing legal loopholes which needs to taken by MEPA, Military forces including the Sri With reference to the MT New Diamond Case be remedied. Furthermore, he proposed a Lanka Navy, Air force, and Sri Lankan Coastguard Study, she praised the collective response of few recommendations to be taken by Sri and also the Indian Coast Guard, Navy and Air , Air Force and Coast Guard, the Lankan Government in order to handle force in their contribution towards averting regional corporation received through Indian such disasters and mitigate effects in the disaster and successfully dousing the fire Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, and (ship) future catastrophes. off MT New Diamond. He highlighted that as owner-appointed Salvors, in preventing what much as environmental peril is at hand, the legal could have been recorded as the second Capt. K. M. Nirmal P. Silva Harbor Master, Sri conundrums, must be addressed in providing a largest oil spill in the history. She further Lanka Port Authority expressed his view on dictum on accountability. espoused the actions taken through MEPA subsisting deficiencies in the system such -as the national authority to coordinate oil The guest speaker Mrs. Dharshani Lahadapura as lack of proper coordination and lack spills- in mitigating the disaster through delivered an illustrious presentation on oil spills of resources. Dr. Dan Malika Gunesekara, convening emergency response, engaging which revolved around five important categories, Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of in scene inspection, measures of recovering namely, “What are major oil spills that occur Sri Lanka contributed with the possible expenses, legal action against the captain globally and locally, Sri Lanka as a vulnerable legal avenues that can be taken to solve and quantifying pollution and marine state for oil spills, The role of MEPA in case of an oil the crisis under admiralty jurisdiction. environmental damages. As the initial danger spill, oil spills as an environmental security threat, has been mitigated, the safe removal of ship and actions taken at MT New Diamond incident Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe RSP, is yet to be inquired. Giving due attention and learnings”. She cited major oil spills such as VSV, USP, ndc, psc, DISS, MNI- Former to the setting of North-East Monsoon from The Torrey Canyon Oil Spill 1967, The Atlantic Commander of Sri Lanka Navy/ Senior mid-October to December, Mrs. Dharshani Empress Oil Spill (1979), The Ixtoc 1 Oil Spill Consultant, CINEC campus (Pvt) Ltd. advised that swift action must be taken. (1979) highlighting the environmental damage pointed out the necessity of resorting to caused by each oil spill. Focusing the discussion The discussion further unraveled through a quick procedure to solve legal claims. to Sri Lanka, She highlighted how Sri Lanka the audience as Dr. Terney Pradeep Kumara, Many other officials including Prof. becomes vulnerable with regards to oil spills in General Manager Marine Environment Deepthi Wickramasinghe Head of the terms of country’s strategic location, monetary Protection Authority (MEPA) Sri Lanka, department, Department of Zoology commented on and Environment Science, University repercussions of MT of Colombo expressed willingness New Diamond oil to contribute through academia and spill. He stated the collaborate on providing solutions in the difficulty of quantifying future. damages, recovering expenses, the difficulty The event was concluded successfully of detaining the tanker identifying legal and institutional gaps that and complexity of need to be addressed. Recommendations taking legal action were made to increase effectiveness of the against the Captain of legal framework, funding mechanism and the ship. He highlighted increasing private sector contribution. the sensitivity of the It was agreed that communication East coast which is rich with natural resources and knowledge sharing between each and its vulnerability stakeholder must be aptly fulfilled and on such oil spills. He INSSSL has taken a significant initiatives in further mentioned the enabling such discussions.

2020/Q3/Vol XVI 03 www.insssl.lk Webinar on Regional and Geopolitical Environment and International Trade & Economic Relations The Pathfinder Foundation, Sri Lanka and Vivekananda International Foundation, a leading think tank in India conducted a webinar on Monday, 17th August with virtual participation of several experts from both countries on two themes – Regional and Geopolitical Environment and International Trade & Economic Relations. The two delegations were headed by Chairman of Pathfinder Foundation, AMB Bernard Goonetilleke and Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director of Vivekananda International Foundation. Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage, Director General of INSSSL and Dr. Indrajith Coomaraswamy, former Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage, AMB Bernard Goonetilleke Dr. Arvind Gupta, Lanka provided their perspectives in this Director General of INSSSL Chairman of Pathfinder Foundation Director of Vivekananda International Foundation webinar.

Ruwanthi Jayasekara was a Panelist at the International Women Summit 2020 The first International Women Summit organized by Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) was held on 18th July 2020. This was attended by various scholars from 12 countries including Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Armenia, the Philippines, Switzerland and Indonesia. Ruwanthi Jayasekara from INSSSL was in one of the panels, presenting on “Water and Sustainable Agriculture”.

Ms. Ruwanthi Jayasekara noted that both inadequate water as in the form of droughts and inundation of water in the form of floods pose a detrimental impact not only on environmental security and in the long run, creating an impact on community security, health security, economic security, political security and overall national security. Key focus was paid to the accessibility to safe water for agricultural produce, impact of high usage of chemical fertilizers, impact of natural disasters on agriculture, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. She highlighted the need for organic farming with the involvement of both public and private sector. BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) focus on disaster management and public health, combat terrorism and extremism, deal with the adverse effects of climate change and work towards poverty alleviation. As the lead country for Information, Technology and Innovation sector in BIMSTEC, Sri Lanka informed that it will put forward proposals that would enhance the use of technological tools in daily life to address post COVID-19 effects and also cater to the demand for internet based economic activities and that the proposed setting up of the BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility, in Colombo would further augment the work Sri Lanka proposes to undertake in the sector. The virtual 21st session of Senior Officials Meeting of BIMSTEC held on 02nd September 2020 was organized by Sri Lanka, the current chair of BIMSTEC and this was preceded by Director General, Admiral (Prof.) the 4th Meeting of BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee (BPWC). Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage, Director Jayanath Colombage spoke at a General of INSSSL and Secretary to Ministry of Foreign affairs virtual meeting organized by chaired the session. He urged BIMSTEC member states to embrace the “new normal, and adapt fast”. Institutional Capacity Building Initiative with

In his inaugural remarks he stated that the sector driven National Defence College Sri Lanka and organization should collectively promote trade and United States Government investment cooperation, strengthen energy cooperation, Agencies on 16th July 2020. increase connectivity and people-to-people contact,

2020/Q3/Vol XVI 04 www.insssl.lk Director General Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage spoke at the Joint Debate on “Sustainable Shipping for a Sustainable Planet”

“Sustainable Shipping for a Sustainable Planet” has been selected as the World Maritime theme for 2020. This was an opportunity to raise awareness of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and showcase the work that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its Member States are undertaking to achieve the targets. In the light of achieving the targets, a joint debate was held on 25th September 2020 under the topic of “Sustainable Shipping for a Sustainable Planet”. It was organized by ELCOME one of the largest marine technology system integrators in the world. Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage was invited to be a speaker at the joint debate.

Joint Webinar between CLAWS (India) and INSSSL (Sri Lanka) Discussion on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation between The Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), (India) and the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka (INSSSL), (Sri Lanka) was held virtually on Tuesday, 14th July 2020, from 0900hrs - 0930hrs. Lt Gen (Dr) Vijay Kumar Ahluwalia PVSM, AVSM**,YSM,VSM (Rtd), Director of CLAWS made his initial comments with the opening remarks and presentation about Director General Admiral CLAWS and subsequently, Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage, Director General of INSSSL (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage delivered a brief introduction on INSSSL and its spoke on the ‘New era of India - Sri Lanka role. Thereafter, both institutes discussed the MOU in length and in conclusion, Dr. Ms. Jyoti M. bilateral relations: Pathania, Chairperson Outreach & Senior Fellow, Opportunities & challenges’ CLAWS delivered the vote of thanks. Director General, Admiral (Prof.) India is Sri Lanka’s closest neighbor. With the rise of India, and a new Indian identity and profile in the region, Sri Lanka and India should endeavor to Jayanath Colombage work and support each other not only at the bilateral level, but also at the attended a webinar on regional and multilateral level. 23rd July 2020, which was organized A Virtual meeting was held on 18th September 2020 under the topic ‘New era of India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations: Opportunities & challenges’. by the Chengdu Municipal The session was participated by junior officials of the Sri Lanka Foreign Government, China. Director Service attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath General shared his perspective on Colombage, Director General of INSSSL and Secretary to Ministry of Foreign affairs moderated the session. COVID-19 response sharing.

2020/Q3/Vol XVI 05 www.insssl.lk Director General Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage spoke at the Webinar on “Belt and Road International Cooperation: Combating COVID-19 with Solidarity” The COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious threat to human health, safety and well-being as well as the socio-economic development of our countries and the world at large. The Foreign Ministers and officials of the Belt and Road International Cooperation held a video conference under the theme of “Belt and Road International Cooperation: Combating COVID-19 with Solidarity” on 08th July 2020. The high-level video conference on Belt and Road International Cooperation focused on how to combat the emerging corona virus and to enhance practical cooperation between countries within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with special emphasis on Sri Lanka’s role in the BRI while analyzing the opportunities and challenges. The webinar was organized by The Pakistan-China Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan. Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage, the Director General of INSSSL participated in the webinar as a speaker.

Director (Communications and Publications) 50th Anniversary of Rear Admiral D C Gunawardena shared Establishment of his views on “Maritime Safety and Security: Diplomatic Relations National Strategies and Regional Cooperation” between Rear Admiral D C Gunawardena RWP**,RSP, VSV, USP, nswc, psc, hdmc, MSc(DS)Mgt, , MMS, MSc (NS & WS), BSc(Hons), Director (Communications Sri Lanka and Vietnam and Publications) of the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka (INSSSL) was a speaker at the Zoom webinar conducted by the Lakshman The importance of focusing on trade and Kadirgamar Institute (LKI) on Enhancing Regional Cooperation series on economic relations between the two countries was 29th September from 4.30 pm to 5.45pm. highlighted as a key to enhance bilateral relations at a webinar titled ‘50 Years of Vietnam-Sri Lanka Relations: Achievements and Prospects’ organized to mark the historical milestone of 50 years of the establishment of Sri Lanka and Vietnam formal diplomatic relations. The conference was organized by the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ha Noi, Vietnam, the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) of the Viet Nam Institute for Indian & Southwest Asian Studies (VIISAS)–Ha Noi and the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka. The conference was held on 22nd September 2020 and was aimed at deepening economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties between the two countries. Delivering the opening remarks, Director General of INSSSL and Foreign Secretary, Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage stated that Sri Lanka and Vietnam have enjoyed deep rooted and friendly relations over centuries, even before the establishment of formal bilateral relations in 1970.

2020/Q3/Vol XVI 06 www.insssl.lk Director General, Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage delivered a lecture virtually on “Framework of India Sri Lanka Relationship: Opportunities and Challenges” to the participants following the National Defence Course and staff which was organized by the National Defence College, India on 23rd July 2020.

25th Silver Jubilee Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Community Physicians

Director General, Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage was the key note speaker at the 25th Silver Jubilee Annual Academic Sessions organized by the College of Community Physicians on 16th September 2020 which was held at Hotel Shangri-La, Colombo.

Director General Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage spoke at a panel discussion on “Analyzing Initiatives to augment the Maritime Connectivity among the BIMSTEC Member States: Prospects and Challenges” on 23rd September 2020. The discussion was jointly organized by National Maritime Foundation (NMF) India, Pathfinder Foundation (PF) Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD).

2020/Q3/Vol XVI 07 www.insssl.lk Maintaining National Security: Role of Sri Lankan Military during COVID-19

National security means the ability of a state services. As a result, many people were killed. But Prevention of to cater for the protection and defence of its the new president’s regime identified the weak COVID-19 Outbreak citizenry. It is closely associated with the rights points of the former regime and initiated new (NOCPCO) together of citizens and the responsibility of the state strategic policies to counter these threats. with the Chief of towards them. Every government should give Defence Staff and Covid-19 is an ongoing global health crisis priority to national security. Initially the primary Commander of the and one of the major threats for the Sri Lankan focus was on focusing on military security but Army and Medical government after the Easter attack by extremists. now it encompasses a wide range of non-military Specialist Dr. Anil Government with the support of the Health dimensions such as economic security, food Jasinghe, Director ministry and Tri-forces, identified new clusters security, energy security, and environmental General of Health using human intelligence and formed superior security. As Theresa May, the Prime Minister of Services, strategies. Sri Lankan government together Great Britain has mentioned “National Security is with the military initiated new precautionary with their handful By Hiruni Jayaratne the first duty of the government”. Every country’s measures while protecting citizens’ rights and main duty is to maintain national security and in of experts taking risk forward, and introduced new democracy. She rapidly mobilized its minimum that case, the military is one of the main tools to strategies to protect people from this health crisis. resources to control the ongoing pandemic protect citizens, nourishing the survival of the with the support of the efficient state-funded National Task Force was appointed by the sates as well as combatting crimes and threats. health services and the defense professionals government and they implemented the new Everyone needs oxygen to breathe subsequently under the visionary and able leadership of the approach called 3T (Testing, Tracing, and Treatment) every nation needs to have an accurate policy to President. This paper tries to identify how the Sri to combat this pandemic. Sri Lanka has no plans maintain national security since it is the shield of Lanka military maintains national security during to have foreign troops deployed in the country to the country. COVID-19 and what kind of strategies were taken combat the pandemic. The Island nation’s military Sri Lanka is the pearl of the Indian Ocean and by them using military capabilities to mitigate and police showed their capabilities in tackling today faces a range of security threats easily crimes while combatting the health crisis to the pandemic. According to the Defence Secretary due to its geostrategic location. Coming almost ensure a secure and safe country. Kamal Gunaratne “Our military has already shown exactly ten years after the end of Sri Lanka’s civil their expertise and professionalism in handling the Sri Lanka was one of the countries that war which pitted government forces against a emergency created under the coronavirus threat”. successfully secured good healthcare at low cost. Tamil insurgency led by the Liberation Tigers of She closely monitored the pandemic’s movement Sri Lankan military was at the forefront of the Tamil Eelam (LTTE) – Easter Sundays Islamic State- right after the first case appeared in the nation COVID-19 prevention operations. Also, Sri Lanka’s inspired bombings shook a country struggling and using human intelligence Tri-forces tracked intelligence agencies have been used to trace to find its way toward a stable peace. Sri Lanka any potential COVID-19 suspects and send them people who are closely associated with Corona suffered a disorienting blow on Easter Sunday, 21 directly to the quarantine centers. While the virus-positive patients and the military had rapidly April 2019, when a series of suicide bombings killed entire world is engulfed in COVID-19 fear, the Sri established more quarantine centers around the over 250 and injured hundreds of more Christian Lankan Government, which is taking all possible country and have been praised for their efficiency worshippers and foreign tourists. The seven precautionary measures to contain the virus, has and the excellent facilities. As of 23rd March, forty- coordinated bombings targeted three Christian also taken serious measures to combat crimes five quarantine centers had been built in the country churches – in the capital Colombo, north of and threats. by the Sri Lanka Army. Kandakadu, Punani, Galkanda, Colombo in Negombo, and in the eastern town of Meeyankulan, Welikanda are some of the quarantine Batticaloa – and three high-end hotels in Colombo, “Proactive intervention to prevent any outbreak centers in Sri Lanka. While Police have managed and later a small guesthouse south of the capital. of COVID-19 within Sri Lanka” is the vision of His the curfew and the military has shouldered the This became a massive Extremist’s violence in Sri Excellency the President Gotabaya Rajapakse. responsibility for the national response from Lanka but the previous government’s immediate The government of Sri Lanka acted well before contract tracing to running quarantine centers. reaction to the attacks was confused and ignored. the pandemic hit the region. HE the President, Due to the weakness of the former regime, appointed Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Read full article here: http://www.insssl.lk/index. tremendous downfall happened in intelligence as the Head of National Operation Centre for php?id=253

Bibliography (www.dw.com), Deutsche Welle. “How Sri Lanka Successfully Curtailed the Coronavirus Pandemic: DW: 18.05.2020.” DW.COM. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.dw.com/en/how-sri-lanka-successfully-curtailed-the-coronavirus-pandemic/a-53484299. “Why Can’t We Go Home?”” Human Rights Watch. October 19, 2018. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.hrw.org/report/2018/10/09/why-cant- we-go-home/military-occupation-land-sri-lanka. TELEGRAPH, Author: COLOMBO. “The Final Threat To Sri Lanka’s National Security Is New Media.” Colombo Telegraph. June 25, 2013. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/sri-lankas-national-security-concerns-social-media-is-a-threat/. Gerelt-Od, Soomin Jun and Saranzaya, and Abdullah Ahmadzai. “Notes from Colombo: Sri Lanka Weathers the Covid-19 Storm.” The Asia Foundation. July 09, 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://asiafoundation.org/2020/07/08/notes-from-colombo-sri-lanka-weathers-the-covid-19-storm Srinivasan, Meera. “COVID-19: Sri Lankan Military Is Helping the Country Fight the Pandemic.” The Hindu. April 15, 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/covid-19-sri-lankan-military-is-helping-the-country-fight-the-pandemic/article31350778.ece. “Questions Thrown up by the COVID-19 Crisis in Sri Lanka.” n.d. South Asia Journal. Accessed July 28, 2020. http://southasiajournal.net/questions- thrown-up-by-the-covid-19-crisis-in-sri-lanka/. The Writer is an Intern at the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka (INSSSL), premier think tank on National Security functioning under the aegis of Ministry of Defence. The opinion expressed is her own and not necessarily reflective of the institute.

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